the Accidental Tablet Thief

chapter 2: password

"What's the password?" Maya demanded.

Leo leaned back in his chair, her $2000 tablet resting on his knees like a trophy.

Sunlight cut across the messy studio, catching the chipped mug in his hand.

"Password?" he echoed, all innocent.

"Don't play dumb. My pitch is on there. In 90 minutes."

My career is on there, she didn’t say. My rent. My future.

Leo took a slow sip of coffee. Pizza-stained shirt, crooked grin, zero shame.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're smart."

Maya’s eye twitched. She could feel the deadline ticking in her chest.

"Leo. Give. Me. The. Password."

"Or?" He raised an eyebrow, and his eyes dragged over her face. "You gonna kiss me for it?"

The words hung in the air between paint cans and tangled cords.

Maya’s face went nuclear red. Her hands curled into fists at her sides.

"I would rather lose my job."

"Liar," Leo whispered, and his voice dropped low. It did something stupid to her stomach.

Outside the studio window, the city was moving fast. Cars honking. People rushing.

Her career slipping away with every second.

And inside, the thief was smiling at her like he knew a secret she didn’t.

"Fine," Maya snapped, because pride wouldn't pay her bills. "What do you want?"

Leo stood up. He was way too tall and way too close now. She could smell coffee and paint.

"Come to my gallery opening tonight. Sit through it. Clap. Pretend you like my art."

"That's blackmail."

"That's negotiation," he said, tapping the tablet. "Password after the opening."

Maya stared at him. She hated him. She really did.

So why was she nodding?